Deer Park, Washington, United States

Deer Park

Gazette

Local Writers, Local Photographers, Locally Owned

Food For The Holidays

Area food banks are gearing up for the holiday season to meet the needs of local families. With higher heating bills and holiday spending, food pantries in Deer Park and Loon Lake expect an uptick in traffic.

According to Cheri Hughes, the Loon Lake Food Bank and Resource Center currently services about 450 families per week, while the Valley Food Pantry serves an average of 65 families. The GreenHouse in Deer Park supports 250 families per month, according to director, Melanie Allen.

How can people help the food banks continue to serve those less fortunate this holiday season?

Loon Lake Food Bank and Resource Center is looking for donations of the following by November 10th.

  • Canned pumpkin
  • Jello
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Dressing
  • Cranberries

They will be doing a turkey giveaway either the 14th or 16th. They anticipate that this will be the first time in the past five years that they will actually have enough turkeys to feed the families. While monetary donations are welcome, people wanting to help for the 2018 holidays are encouraged to bring food items, since it takes a couple of months for donations to be processed and items purchased. They are working on Thanksgiving right now; they haven’t looked at Christmas yet, but they normally provide hams, and they can start receiving them in November for December along with other holiday dressings.

Deer Park’s GreenHouse prefers monetary donations, and has been working to increase the number of regular monetary donors. Additionally, items with protein and holiday meal ingredients would be great. The GreenHouse actually has a shelf area specifically for holiday meal items, including dessert ideas or treats, and foods that people typically only eat around the holidays.

They also collect and share gifts with children 0-18 (as long as the child is still in high school at 18). Gifts for the teens are especially appreciated. For those uncertain of what to give, gift cards to local businesses are great ideas – Bobmart, the Pickett Fence, Rozy’z, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Zip’s, etc. Gift collection boxes will be at Bi-Mart, Yokes and other Deer Park businesses, beginning the day after Thanksgiving.

Furthermore, November 16th – December 7th is the Yoke’s Season of Giving Food Drive. You will be be able to purchase premade bags of groceries everyday as well as make cash donations at the GreenHouse table in the Deer Park Yoke’s on Fridays.

For more information, please contact the local food banks.

The Loon Lake Food Bank and Resource Center
3945 Fir St, Loon Lake, WA
Monday and Thursday 9am – 1pm
509-233-8450

Valley Food Pantry
PO Box 81, Valley, WA 99181
509-993-0609

The GreenHouse
211 N Fir Ave, Deer Park, WA
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1 – 5pm
509-276-6897

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

Typewriter with paper reading "Letters to the Editor"

Establishing A City Police Department In Deer Park

Every few years the subject of establishing a city police department in Deer Park
makes the rounds on social media, local papers, and even the floor of the City Council.
Since the late 70’s when the city disbanded it’s own department and contracted with
the county, well meaning people have thought that it “seems” like we could fund our
own department for what we are paying the county.

Read More »
Typewriter with paper reading "Letters to the Editor"

Letter of support for Roger Krieger, Fire Commissioner, Spokane County Fire District 4.

As past Fire Chiefs of Spokane County Fire District 4 spanning the past 30 plus years, we strongly support the reelection of Roger Krieger for Fire District Four (4) Fire Commissioner.

Having worked with and for Commissioner Krieger we have personally witnessed and have firsthand knowledge of Commissioner Krieger’s professional behavior, leadership proficiency and dedication to his community.

Read More »

Deer Park Man Missing – Officials Seeking Information

Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies are seeking public assistance to locate 72-year-old Harry A. Ballman, who was reported missing from his Deer Park home on July 7, 2025. Ballman, who suffers from dementia and other health concerns, was last seen on July 6 and his family is gravely concerned for his welfare amidst rising temperatures. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Check immediately.

Read More »

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

Deer Park Man Missing – Officials Seeking Information

Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies are seeking public assistance to locate 72-year-old Harry A. Ballman, who was reported missing from his Deer Park home on July 7, 2025. Ballman, who suffers from dementia and other health concerns, was last seen on July 6 and his family is gravely concerned for his welfare amidst rising temperatures. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Check immediately.

Read More »

Gallery: Miss Deer Park 2025 Elegance & Achievement

The Miss Deer Park Scholarship Association chose their 71st representatives. The program was rich with poise and promise as six talented young ladies took to the stage. From fitness to composure, they held nothing back while competing to be the face of Deer Park. An image gallery awaits because what’s a royal moment without a little paparazzi?

Read More »

Read & Support The

Local news to keep you informed and entertained. The Deer Park Gazette is locally owned and operated. When you support the Deer Park Gazette, you support local writers and photographers.